Houston is one of the biggest cities in the United States. However, even in this big, busy city, there are places to hike and enjoy the outdoors! These 5 hiking trails take you through parts of urban Houston, on nature trails, and near waterways and scenic areas. Check out these top 5 hiking trails in Houston that are fun for the whole family!
1.) Buffalo Bayou Loop
2.) Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Trail
3.) Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail
4.) Green Ridge Trail
5.) Memorial Park Red Trail
Buffalo Bayou Loop
Buffalo Bayou Loop is a longer but easy route at Buffalo Bayou Park. It’s a popular spot for mountain bikers, birdwatchers, and hikers. Scenic bridges connect a path that goes on both sides of the bayou, and you’ll get some nice views of the area.
Address: 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019
Mileage: 5.1 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a paved trail.
Difficulty: This is an easy trail with just a slight elevation gain.
Open year-round: Yes
Miles from downtown Houston: 3.1 miles from downtown Houston
Pet-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This trail is kid-friendly. The trail follows the bayou, so they’ll have interesting things to see. You do share the trail with cyclists, so be aware of surroundings as the kids walk.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Trail
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Trail is a popular spot for a walk and for birdwatching. There are several trails and boardwalks that wander the area. You’ll also see lots of native plants, flowers, trees, and other foliage along the way.
Address: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
Mileage: 2.6 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: The terrain varies between packed dirt, pavement, and boardwalks. You may need a motorized wheelchair to access, or assistance if bringing a stroller.
Difficulty: This is an easy trail.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Houston: 9.9 miles from downtown Houston
Pet friendly? This trail does allow dogs, but they must be on a leash. Be sure to bring bags to pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This is a kid-friendly trail. Kids can visit educational field stations along the way, and there are lots of smaller trails along the large loop. You can combine this with a trip to the arboretum as well for a family day out!
Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail
The Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail is an easy, popular trail that is used by runners and walkers. It’s an easy route around the golf course at Memorial Park. The area also has playgrounds, picnic areas, and other outdoor spaces so you can spend several hours here.
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Mileage: 3.8 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a groomed gravel trail that is manageable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is an easy trail around an urban park.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Houston: 1.6 miles from downtown Houston
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, and they may be off-leash in some areas.
Kid-friendly? This trail is kid-friendly. It’s a flat trail around the golf course, and there are playgrounds and other places for them to run around after their walk.
Green Ridge Trail
The Green Ridge Trail is a somewhat challenging trail through Memorial Park. It’s popular, but at certain times you may find it a quieter path. It’s a nice trail to do with kids, and they can play at the playground or enjoy lunch afterward.
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Mileage: 2.5 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a dirt trail that is popular with mountain bikers as well as hikers. It can get muddy after rain, so check the weather before planning a hike.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Houston: 1.6 miles from downtown Houston
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail but they must be on a leash.
Kid-friendly? This is a kid-friendly trail, and they can get the experience of being out in nature while being near the heart of downtown Houston. Memorial Park also has playgrounds and picnic areas.
Memorial Park Red Trail
The Red Trail is one of several color-coded trails at Memorial Park. The colors represent increasing levels of difficulty, and the trails all connect at the baseball fields. This is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Mileage: 1.1 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a packed dirt trail that may have roots and other obstacles. It is not easily manageable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is considered an easy trail.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Houston: 1.6 miles from downtown Houston
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This is a kid-friendly trail. It’s a popular spot for walking with strollers, running, or biking.
Houston Trails
These Houston trails provide plenty of chances to get outdoors and enjoy nature in Texas. Whether you want a flat, paved route or one with some elevation and that feels like you’re in a forest, there’s a trail for you!
RV Camping in Houston
RV camping is a wonderful way to experience Houston and to be near the city’s hiking trails! You’ll find plenty of campgrounds in Houston to choose from, and camping in the area is a great way to see the city.
You may also want to consider taking a drive to the water to stay at Galveston Island State Park, or look for gators while camping at Brazos Bend State Park.
RV Rentals in Houston
There are plenty of RVshare rentals in Houston to choose from, so you can be sure to find one you’ll love for your trip! If you’re traveling alone or with one or two people, a Class B campervan may be all you need. If you’re with a larger group, a 5th wheel trailer or Class A motorhome will have much more room.
Other Things To Do in Houston
There are lots of fun things to do in Houston! Tour the Space Center Houston, visit the Children’s Museum of Houston, see an Astros ballgame, and much more. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Brennan’s of Houston or B&B Butchers and Restaurant for a delicious steak.
Happy Houston hiking!
